Lions test

Naholo and Lienert-Brown in for All Blacks as injuries force Hansen's hand

Hansen's hand has been forced by injuries sustained by full-back Ben Smith and centre Ryan Crotty in their 30-15 win in the first Test in Auckland last Saturday.

Smith failed a head-injury assessment while Crotty suffered a hamstring strain.

As a result Israel Dagg moves from wing to full-back with Naholo, a try scorer in Highlanders' 23-22 victory over the Lions, taking his spot out wide. Lienert-Brown comes in for Crotty at outside centre.

All Blacks confident over Read

Read has not played since breaking a thumb in April, having spent much of 2017 recuperating from wrist surgery.

The skipper is unlikely to play any part in the All Blacks' practice match against Samoa on Friday as plans for the first Test in a fortnight at Eden Park draw into sharp focus.

But having seen Read's predecessor Richie McCaw have huge impacts on previous series with similarly low-key preparation, Hansen has no concerns.

"Our last skipper used to be able to do it, and this one's got similar mental fortitude and strength of character," Hansen said.